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Weaning

Find weaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Weaning forum. Use our child development calendar for more information.

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Original poster

Vegetarian baby?

16 replies

Catz · 21/12/2007 22:10

I'm not sure whether this is the right place to post but has anyone here brought their baby up on a vegetarian diet or know of any good books about it?

I've been a veggie since I could cook for myself and have never cooked meat. DH does eat meat when he's out but never bothers at home. DD is currently 5 months and we're thinking about weaning. Whilst I'm careful about getting all my nutrients I'm not at all confident that I can do that for a baby. DH surprised me by saying that he thought we should bring her up veggie as I'm not confident about cooking meat (and don't really want to), there's not much point in cooking a small amount for her and if we're giving her meat he really doesn't want it to come processed in a jar.

Has anyone done it/know of good resources?

Many thanks

OP posts:

moljam · 21/12/2007 22:14

i have.its very easy especially at first as its all purees!i got hold of nutrient chart as was bit worried about missing out things as they got older-dont worry to much at first as they get it from milk.rose elliot books at good but to be honest i brought annabelle karmel books and changed recipes to suit us.be prepared for remarks such as 'children need meat',i always answer i know what my childs getting from where as im ready for silly remarks like yours,do you know what nutrients your dc is getting and from where.
also viva and the vegeatarian society websites have weaning tips.

AllChristmassedOut · 21/12/2007 22:15

Both my DSs (4 and 2) are veggie. I found Carol Timperley's book useful. It was most useful early on, and for advice about protein intake etc. You'll quickly find yourself naturally being aware of what sorts of things they need and making sure you offer them without even thinking about it. I'm sure there are loads of others on here who have done it too, and it would be worth doing a search to see if there are any old threads for info. Good luck!

Brangelina · 21/12/2007 22:18

Yes! My DD is a veggie, has been since she was conceived. She's now 2.5 and doing fine.

Initially I got some books in, not least because I felt I needed to learn more about nutrients and food sources, but after a while I just went with my instincts and fed her more or less the same stuff as I was eating, including curries and more "exotic" dishes.

I would def say it is worth getting a book or two in, one I would highly recommend is this one and another by Rose Eliot (Mother, Toddler and Baby book I think) which is a bit more old fashioned but explains a lot about nutrition among other things.

TooTickyDoves · 21/12/2007 22:26

This should be useful
I weaned all 4 of my dcs as veggies. Lentils are invaluable - and popular, especially with garlic.

moljam · 21/12/2007 22:37

tooticky-great site-not seen that one.ds2 is cows milk intolerant ,he has goats milk but is mostly dairy free,that site had good vegan tips.quite fancy it myself.

Original poster

Catz · 21/12/2007 22:48

Brilliant - thanks for the book/site tips. Yes I feel I need to read more about it than I would otherwise, mailnly to make sure that I know what I'm doing but also to have a return arsenal for the inevitable comments!

She's been veggie since conceived too - Dr had no worries at all, said he'd be more worried if I was wanting to introduce meat back into my diet when pregnant

Thanks again for the replies at 10:30 a few days before Christmas - isn't mumsnet great!

OP posts:

TooTickyDoves · 21/12/2007 22:49

I'm vegan meself - always happy to evangelise

moljam · 21/12/2007 22:51

oooh goody-can i annoy you with questions?

JoyeuxNoelBiggy · 21/12/2007 22:52

The Timperley book, some good recipes in there. The kitcheree one a particular favourite. I have 2 little veggies, one will eat cheese and eggs, the other won't but lentils and beans are her favourites. They've both gone off veg lately, unfortunately, but love fruit.

What do you usually have?

TooTickyDoves · 21/12/2007 23:11

Of course

moljam · 22/12/2007 09:11

TooTickyDoves i'll start new thread as poor catz is having her thread hijacked!
sorry catz!

moljam · 22/12/2007 09:19

heres newannoying thread for you

BJB21 · 22/12/2007 09:28

i really wanted to bring ds1 up as veggie as ive been veggie since my teens. dp eats meat and thought that we should wait until he was old enough to decide for himself. I was in such a dilemma. Anyway, he eats meat and the little devil loves it. He knows my reasons for being veggie but doesnt seem to have a conscience like me!oh well

Sorry this has nothing to do with what you asked! its just a hard decision isnt it? Dont think nutrition would be a problem i really dont. I have and do cook many veggie dishes. There are plenty of good meat alternatives these days.

ChipButty · 22/12/2007 09:36

My children are both veggie and are thriving. Stick to your guns - you are probably more aware of nutritional needs than many meat eaters. Happy Christmas!

needmorecoffee · 22/12/2007 09:58

All 4 of mine were bought up vegan. Babies need to eat what you eat just mashed up, not special baby food. So if you're having mashed pots, give her some. Or mash up some carrots.
The vegetarian society has some good sections.
3 are now teenagers and all healthy and doing well.

jaype · 27/12/2007 23:31

Both of mine (nearly 2 and nearly 4) are veggies - as are their dad and I. Again, Carol Timperly book is good if you are stuck, otherwise hiding pulses in pasta sauce is also a good move! It won't stunt them (elderly relatives will probably be concerned, despite the fact that rationing /expense meant they probably only ate meat once a month when they were young) - ds has been on 98th centile for height since birth.

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